On Friday, November 21, we had over 25 student leaders from Skyline College’s Black and Brown Scholars (BBS), College of San Mateo’s Brothers Empowering Brothers (BEB), and Cañada College’s Brothers Achieving Milestones (BAM) gather for a powerful afternoon centered on connection, reflection, and community healing at College of San Mateo. Designed as a space where young men of color could show up authentically, the gathering offered opportunities to build relationships across campuses and strengthen a collective sense of brotherhood.
From the moment students arrived, the room carried an energy of familiarity—handshakes turned into hugs, dap turned into laughter, and strangers became brothers within minutes. The intentional mix of students from all three campuses allowed participants to see themselves reflected in one another’s journeys. Many attendees described the space as rare, affirming, and much needed, a reminder that they are not navigating college alone.
In small breakout groups, students engaged in guided dialogue circles to share personal experiences related to identity, motivation, and the challenges they face as men of color in higher education. These conversations opened the door to vulnerability, stories about family responsibilities, academic pressure, and the desire to become role models in their communities.
Students listened intently to one another, offering nods of affirmation, words of encouragement, and moments of collective reflection. Many expressed that hearing others articulate similar struggles and successes helped them feel seen, validated, and motivated.
One student reflected, “It felt like I didn’t have to explain myself; everyone just understood.” Another student shared, “I didn’t feel the need to perform a role. I can just belong.” Our youngest attendee from Capuchino High School mentioned, “Even though I don’t know anyone here, I already feel like I belong.”
The large-group share-out brought the room together in a powerful way. Students stood up to speak about what they learned from their breakout groups—highlighting themes of resilience, leadership, mental health, and the importance of showing up for one another.
One student shared, “Keeping it real requires vulnerability.”
The share-outs demonstrated deep mutual respect; when each student spoke, the room grew quiet, giving them space to be heard. Peers snapped, clapped, and vocalized support. Several participants expressed gratitude for a space where men of color could voice their emotions without judgment, emphasizing how rare it is to have a community that holds them up while also holding them accountable.
The gathering concluded with a musical piano performance by Warren Shelby, CSM’s Promise Scholars Program Retention Specialist. The musical piece left the attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Students left feeling inspired, supported, and connected to a broader brotherhood spanning the entire San Mateo County Community College District. Many expressed interest in future collaborations, shared service projects, and continued cross-campus spaces for support and empowerment.
This gathering illustrated what is possible when men of color are provided intentional, culturally rooted spaces to build community. Much gratitude to the advisors from all three colleges:
● Skyline College – Dr. Nate Nevado, Dino Garcia, Manny Verdin, Joseph Jaballa, Albin Lee, Christian Sanchez
● College of San Mateo – Andy Gomez and Warren Shelby
● Canada College – Diego Payan and Chris Wardell
Also, a special thanks to Alex Guiriba, VPSS of College of San Mateo and Gerardo Ramirez, VPAS of College of San Mateo for their warm welcome and inspiring remarks.
For more information on Black and Brown Scholars, Brothers Empowering Brothers, and Brothers Achieving Milestones, please check our websites: https://skylinecollege.edu/bbs/ https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/beb/ https://canadacollege.edu/bam/
Article by: Nate Nevado
Pictures by: Warren Shelby and Nate Nevado
